A pioneer in terms of attracting foreign investment, Taicang has witnessed sustained economic growth in the past few decades.

Bjoern Schroer, general manager of Brand Kern-Liebers Precision Parts (Taicang) Co Ltd, talks to China Daily about his life and experiences in Taicang.

Q: What do you think of Taicang and what interests you the most?

A: I think Taicang is extremely good.

In 2008, I spent part of my honeymoon here, and it was then that I first embraced Taicang.

I was very impressed by the city image, which was green and modern.

Since then, I have come to the city three to five times a year.

Taicang is very nice, clean and convenient. Besides, it's very safe here.

There are a lot of German companies here. The investment environment is also very good for our companies since we enjoy favorable policies from the local government. What's more, the local people are very friendly.

I have developed a good relationship with my neighbors despite the language barrier.

Q: What are similarities and differences between Taicang and your hometown?

A: Taicang has big streets, and it has changed a lot during the past 20 years.

The landscape here is very similar to Germany because it has so many green areas outside.

Yesterday, my family just came here, and they said they never thought it would be so green here.

Q: I hear that your father-in-law is the boss of the first German company in Taicang. Has he ever told you his thoughts on the investment environment in Taicang before you came here?

A: I had heard about it. He took a positive attitude towards Taicang and has convinced many companies to come here.

In Germany, my twin brother and I run our own family business, and we were thinking about setting up a business in China. It was very easy for us to decide to come here based on the good experience of my father-in-law.

Q: Why did you choose to increase your investments in Taicang?

A: I think that there are so many advantages to developing our business here. One is the large and solid customer base in this area.

Another is the support from the local government.

Besides, the city has a very good environment. Over the past 20 years, more than 180 German companies have based their operations in Taicang. There must be reasons for this.

Q: Did you encounter difficulties when you first came here?

A: Not yet. Maybe the only difficulty is the visa issue, but it's from both sides. But the situation is improving now.

Q: Do you think that Taicang has changed a lot in the past few years?

A: Yes. It is a modern city now. You can find first-class shops and many fancy restaurants around.

And it is very convenient to go to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.

I'm also keen to convince other foreign companies to come here like one of our current German suppliers.

zhoufurong@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 04/22/2013 page11)